a lot of Magic's impact in the NBA though is because Magic came into a dead league and he and Bird brought it back to life. NBA was in much better shape when Kobe came into it. But with anything, timing plays a large part. Both guys have done so much for the organization it's amazing. As much as Magic carried the Lakers brand domestically, Kobe has done internationally. Hopefully we have a player in the future who can carry the team the way they did.. I'm just not convinced it's Howard just yet.

That is an unfair comparison due to the difference in technology. Back in Magic's day, one looked forward to one or a couple games on the weekend. Now, with games on network TV, cable, satellite, League Pass (all games everyday) and the explosion of the internet, it is natural that there is more international/global exposure.

If Magic were playing today, with his personality, he'd be bigger than Kobe. Man's got presence, charisma and a smile that lit up the screen (unlike the anti-social personality that Kobe gives off). And talk about impact, that Finals game that he played center when Kareem went down was just spectacular (and as a rookie too). Kobe's never had particularly great performances in the Finals.

Not sure if this is a serious question but Kareem is the greatest Laker of all time, followed by Magic and Jerry West...Kobe should no way be in front of those 3, but I will put him ahead of Shaq and Wilt because of his longevity with the Lakers that those 2 don't have...

I'm probably the only one on here who saw West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Shaq and Kobe play live in their prime.

The only answer is KOBE.

Magic was phenomenal, I never thought he would be topped...but he never won without Kareem and his career was cut short. Add to that Magic was a terrible defender....not a single 1st team all defense....I think he only had 1 second team. Now compare that to Kobe.....no comparison at all.

Kareem, great player but his first 6 years were in Milwaukee and Magic helped carry him in his latter years.....not to mention he had a phenomenal supporting cast.......Kareem could barely make it up and down the floor.

No player in Lakers history has come close to doing what Kobe has done over his career.

I'm probably the only one on here who saw West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Shaq and Kobe play live in their prime.

The only answer is KOBE.

Magic was phenomenal, I never thought he would be topped...but he never won without Kareem and his career was cut short. Add to that Magic was a terrible defender....not a single 1st team all defense....I think he only had 1 second team. Now compare that to Kobe.....no comparison at all.

Kareem, great player but his first 6 years were in Milwaukee and Magic helped carry him in his latter years.....not to mention he had a phenomenal supporting cast.......Kareem could barely make it up and down the floor.

No player in Lakers history has come close to doing what Kobe has done over his career.

You hate Kobe......so what, you have no legitimate argument.
Please make me laugh by trying to say Magic played defense.....I was at all but about 3 home games during his career......including playoffs and finals.
Magic is the best PG I have ever seen.....but he's not as good an overall player as Kobe nor did he play as long.